19 February 1945
United States Marines landed on Iwo Jima, beginning one of the Pacific War’s fiercest and bloodiest island battles.
Hidden Defenses
Japanese forces defended the island through an extensive network of underground tunnels, bunkers, and fortified positions.
Iconic Moment
On 23 February 1945, Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, creating one of the most famous photographs of World War II.
26 March 1945
Organized resistance ended after more than five weeks of intense fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Strategic Value
Iwo Jima became an emergency landing base for damaged B-29 bombers, supporting later air operations against Japan’s home islands.
Decode this battlefield
Iwo Jima cipher
The famous flag-raising photograph was taken on top of Mount _________.
Mount Suribachi, a dormant volcano at the island’s southern tip, became the site of one of the most iconic photographs in military history after U.S. Marines raised the American flag there on 23 February 1945.
Decoded
Case solved. Continue exploring the pivotal battles that shaped the Pacific War.
